Yoga in Adult Cancer: A Feasibility Trial

Yoga for Health-related Quality of Life in Adult Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

A feasibility study to determine the appropriateness of yoga intervention to improve health-related quality of life in adult cancer patients.

A prospective, mixed methods feasibility trial allocated participants to receive one of three yoga interventions over a four-week study period. Data collection was completed through online survey of QOL-CA/CS and customized surveys.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female adult cancer patients 19 years of age or older
2. Patients receiving or planning to receive conventional treatment that includes at least one of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or active surveillance within 28 days
3. Patients in any stage of cancer diagnoses of all tumour types and locations
4. Participants with internet access and willingness to participate in online communication
5. Participants with access to transportation and personal willingness to attend meetings in central Vancouver, Canada.
6. Participants fluent in the English language

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with any physical limitation, risk of personal injury or under proscription of light to moderate physical activity
2. Patients with pre or post surgical interventions were excluded due to potential physical limitations or safety concerns with wound healing
3. Regular or experienced practitioners of yoga were excluded and defined as those patients reporting current or historical use of regular yoga (>2 session per month in past 12 months)
4. Patients undergoing medical treatment for serious psychological disturbances that might have interfered with adherence to protocol and/or ability to provide informed consent were excluded (e.g. multiple personality disorders, severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder)